Tumbler lock with freely rotating key plug



ug. 18, 1953 R, H, DIESEL 2,648,972

TUMBLER LOCK WITH FREELY ROTATING KEY PLUG Filed Sept. 5, 1947 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Aug. 18, 1953 R. H. DIESEL 2,548,972

TUMBLER LOCK WITH FREELY ROTATING KEY PLUG Filed Sept. 3, 194'? 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR ff? h. bese,

Patented Aug. 18, 1953 TUMBLER LOCK WITH FREELY ROTATING KEY PLUG Richard H. Diesel, Detroit, Mich., assignor to The Yale & Towne Manufacturing Company, Stamford, Conn., a corporation of Connecticut Application September 3, 1947, Serial No. 771,913

(Cl. I0- 366) 19 Claims.

This invention relates to a lock, and more particularly to that type of lock utilizing a key plug whose rotation is controlled by a series of key set tumblers. e

It is the object of my invention to contribute a lock in which the key plug, when in locked condition, is freely rotatable. Upon insertion of a proper type of key and the setting of the tumblers to a predetermined position, the key plug is then adapted for rotation together with what may broadly be termed an actuator for operating any type of lock mechanism controlled by the key plug.

Locks utilizing a freely rotating key plug are old and well known in the art, but such locks are generally complex and are diflicult to operate. Moreover, in locks of the particular class, the actuator is itself not fully controlled, so that a required degree of security is not obtained.

As a feature of my invention, I contribute a lock having a freely rotating key plug adapted to be clutched to an actuator upon proper setting of a series of tumblers, the actuator being itself locked against effective movement until it is brought into clutching engagement with the key plug.

As a still further feature of the invention, a single clutch member is utilized for locking the actuator to a cylinder or the like, and in turn to lock the actuator to the key plug while releasing the actuator from the cylinder.

As a still further feature of the invention, I contribute a key plug having moving tumblers that normally maintain the clutch member in a position locking the actuator to the cylinder vor the like, while the key plug is itself freely rotatable. It is only through a proper positioning of the tumblers that the clutch member is then movable into clutching relation to the key plugv while simultaneously releasing the actuator for movement relatively to the cylinder or the like.

As a still further feature of the invention, I use tumblers of the type having gatings intowhich la fence portion of the clutch member enters upon proper alignment of the gatings. The' relationship ofthe fence and gatings is preferably such that there is a mutual interlock .between the two, whereby the fence does not move out of the gatings no1 the tumblers move relatively to the fence, once the fence enters the gatings. As a feature of my invention, I utilize an ejector that is actuated for moving the fence out of the gatings of the tumblers when it is desired to relock after an unlocking operation. As a still further feature of this part of the invention, the ejector is preferably operated by the action of the key moving outwardly of the key plug.

I have thus outlined rather broadly the more important features of my invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that my contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are, of course, additional features of my invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject of the claims appended hereto. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception on which my disclosure is based may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures for carrying out the several purposes of my invention.

Referring now to the drawings, Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a cylinder embodying my invention. Actually, my invention may be utilized without a cylinder; thus, the key plug and actuator may be mounted in a handle, door knob, or the like, functioning as the cylinder. Fig. 2 is a section taken along lines Y2--2 of Fig. 1. Fig. 3 shows the parts of Fig. 2 with a key inserted and with the tumblers positioned with their gatings in alignment and the fence of the clutch member pressed into the gatings. Fig. 4 is a section taken along lines 4 4 of Fig. 2. Figs. 5 and 6 are sections taken along lines 5-5 and 6-6 respectively of Fig. 3. Fig. 7 showsthe parts of Fig. 6 with the key moved outwardly a short distance as demonstrated in Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a section taken along lines 8 8 of Fig. 7. Fig. 9 is an exploded View of the several parts` of my invention.

Referring now more particularly to the drawings, the cylinder in which I here show my invention embodied, is designated generally by reference numeral I0 and has rotating therein a sleeve II, the sleeve II having in turn rotatable therein a key plug I2. Sleeve I I is the part herel inabove referred to as the lock actuator and will so be called hereinafter.

e Located between the end of the lock actuator I I and the end lila of the cylinder Ill, as best seen in Figs. 2 and 3, is a disc I3 to which is riveted at I4 a spindle I5. This disc I3 is bifurcated at I6 for coaction with a pin II on the end of the lock actuator I I. Through this arrangement, rotation of the lock actuator I I effects the rotation of spindle I 5 to operate the usual lock mechanism.

For retaining the lock actuator II withinthe cylinder IB, I utilize a pin I8 carried bythe cylinder IE! and operating in a groove IS of the lock actuator, pin I8 being best illustrated in Fig-2 while the groove vI9 is best shown in Fig. 9. Pin

'key'plua fa suitable key K insertedr in the said keyway 3l.

f,utilize what I 3 I8 will, of course, function also as a limit member if so desired.

For yieldingly retaining the lock actuator l l in its locking position, I utilize a plunger 2D mounted in a bore 2l of the lock actuator l I and spring pressed outwardly thereof by a spring 22. Plunger 2li coacts with a bore 23 in the cylinder for yieldingly retaining the lock actuator in its position of Figs. 2 and 3.

Key plug i2, as best seen in Fig. 9, is formed with a retaining groove Zin Which operates a pin 25 extending from the actuator il", it' being` the function of this pin to retain the keyplugt2 against removal from the actuator and; therefore from the cylinder It. At this point it will be Wellx to indicate that I have shown in the drawi'ngsan actuator extending outwardly toward thev front end of the cylinder and accessible at that frontv end. The construction of my lock mechanism, as. Will hereinafter appear, makes it possible to so expose the forward end of actuator Il. However, my invention may best be practiced by insertingv the actuator l i` from the rear end of the cylinder by elimination of part Ita, while forming ahead on the forward, end of the cylinder 'for covering the end of the actuator and making itV inaccessible.

, The key plug of my lock is formed with a series f chambers 26 separated by spacers 21 and in Veach of these chambers isy found a tumbler 2B, as is wellv shown in the several figures of my drawings'. The several tumblers are mounted on a single shaft 28a carried in bores formed in the key plug l2 as best seenin Figs. 2 and 3. Each tumbler 2B is formed with a Aa key actuated tail piece 30, the several tail pieces '.30' being in alignment with a keyway Si of the and therefore adapted for operationblv The several tumblers 28 are. each spring pressed by a spring 32 in a clockwise direction. as seen 1n Figs. 4, 5, and 6 toward a limit member 33 formed as an integral part ofthe key plug.

For coaction with the several tumblers 28, I

have heretofore -coact with the gatings 2e and to enter those gatings when theyA are aligned properly. rIhus, as seen in Fig. 5, the key K has set the several tumblers 28 so that their gatings 2t are in alignment with the fence 3l. Fence 3l, under the pressure of springs 38 against clutch member 35, has now Yentered the tumbler gatings.

The relationship of the parts is well shown also in Fig. 3 Wherethe fence 31 is also seen in the turrdilerV gatings, the 'key K being in the keyway 3 l Cooperating with thev detent legs 36 are bores 39 in the cylinder IG, the detent legs 36 lying within the bores when the tumblers. are in the position of Figs. 2 and e; that is, their locking position. With the parts positioned as in Figs. 2 and. 4, the key plug is, of course, freely rotatable, the fence merely riding against the peripheral Asurfaces 4l! of the tumblers. Since the gatings 29 of the tumblers will be differently positioned on the several tumblers, the fence 3'! will be Drevented from movement to the position of Fig. 5 by portions of surfaces d of at least some of the tumblers at all times. With the tumblers set as in Fig. 5, the fence will move into the several gatings 29 and the detent legs 36 will move outY of the bores 390i the cylinder lll as best: seen. in Fig.

gating 2e and with termed a clutch member best shown in Fig. 9', and there desigejector tai-l piece 56.

i 3. When the parts are thus positioned, the clutch member has clutched the key plug l2 to the lock actuator Il for rotation therewith. Gf course, rotation of the key plug and lock actuator effects a rotation of the spindle l5.

It will be noted that the tumbler gatings Z9 are rectangular and: that the fence'l 37v of the clutch member 35 is also rectangular in section. Thus, When the parts are in the position of Fig. 5, the tumblers are locked against rotation as the fence is held by springs 38 against outward movement from the gatings 29; Therefore, in order to remove the key K from the lock and in Order to effect a locking-Y movement of the clutch member 35 from its position of Figs. 3 and 5 to its position oiFigs. 2- and- 4, I am required to employ an ejector.. This. ejector., designated by reference numeral 45, is mounted in the key plug IZ in a relatilvely large space between two of the conventional tumblers 28. Ejector is preferably mounted on. shaft 23a., theI same shaft 0n which the tumblers 26 are; rotatably mounted, and. iS spring pressed by a spring 32a in a clockwise direction as seen in Fig. 6, in the same general manner as the several tumblers 28'.

ejector a5 is further equipped with a tail piece 46 adapted for coaction with a portion of key K. With the key K out of the key plug l2, the ejectorV 45- is maintainedby the spring 32a in the position shown in Fig. 6A against the same stop` 33 as the turnblers 2B. In this position of the parts the ejector does not function to maintain the fence 3l out of the several gatings 2Q of the tumblers'. The key K is formed with a very deep bitting` shown best in- Fig. 8 and there designated by reference numeral 4l. It is this bitting that is positioned opposite the tait piece it of the ejector 45 when the key K is fully insertedy into the lock. Because of this relationship of the parts, the insertion'of the key K fullyV in the lock does not hold thel ejector' in ejecting position but allows it to remain in its position of Fig. 6. The fence 3l is therefore free to4 enter the aligned tumbler gatings 29., the key K having so set the tumblers 28'; when in its position of Fig. 6 and its dash and dotted line position of Fig. 8. Y

WithV the parts in the position of Fig. 6, the

.movementof theV key from the. dash and dotted line position of Fig.v 8 tothe solid line position of Fig. 8, effects a movement of the ejector through coaction of the SlopeY 4ta of deep bitting 4l" with This relationship of the parts is wellv illustrated in Fig. 7 where theejector is shown rotated counter-clockwise from its position of Fig. 6, against the pressure of sprintT 32a by surface 41a of the key K. It will there be noted that the cam surface t8 ofthe ejector 45- has rst cammed the fence 3i out of the several tumbler gatings, and that the surface lita of the ejectorv is now holding the fence out of the tumbler gatings. The key may now be fully withdrawn from the key plug l.l as the tumblers 28 are free to rotate through contact of the ttings of the key K with the several tail pieces Sil of the tumblers.

It will be Well to indicate that if so desired, I can form the ejector' so that when it is in the extreme position of Fig. 6, it will hold the fence out lof the gatings of the tumblers, so that some return movement of the ejector 4E by the key K is required to move the ejector into a release position corresponding to that of Fig. 6. As I have shown my invention, it is in its simplest form,

Awith the ejector merely maintained out of ejecting position by the. spring 32a and allowed to remain in that position by the deep bitting 41 of the key K. Only upon movement of the key K outwardly of the key plug is the ejector moved to eject the fence 3l from the gatings 29 so that the tumblers may rotate and the key fully withdrawn. It should be noted that the tumbler bittings of the key K are flattened to allow surface 41a to operate before any of the tumblers are to be rotated by the key in its movement out of the lock.

Those skilled in the art will now fully appreciate that I have contributed a lock having a key plug that is normally free for rotation so as to be extremely pick resisting. I have also contributed a lock having a lock actuator that is locked against movement at all times except when released through key action and then coupled to a normally freely rotating key plug. The rather ingenious utilization of the tumblers for maintaining my clutch member out of clutching position and for controlling the clutch member will also be fully appreciated by those skilled in the art, as will be the ejector action that makes possible the relooking of my mechanism. I believe' that the principle of my contribution to the art and its operation will now be clear.

I now claim:

l. In a lock of the class described, a cylinder, a key plug rotatable in said cylinder, a lock actuator, key set tumblers, means whereby said tumblers are movable in said key plug and rotate bodily with said key plug, means for clutching said key plug to said lock actuator, surfaces on said tumblers for maintaining said clutching means out of clutching position, said tumblers having gatings that when aligned allow movement of said clutching means into said aligned gatings and into clutching position to clutch said key plug to said lock actuator.

2. In a lock of the class described, a cylinder, a key plug rotatable in said cylinder, a lock actuator, key set tumblers movable in said key plug, means for clutching said key plug to said lock actuator, surfaces on said tumblers for maintaining said means out of clutching position whereby said key plug rotates freely relatively to said lock actuator, said tumblers having gatings that when aligned allow movement of said means into said aligned gatings and into clutching position to clutch said key plug to said lock actuator.

3. In a lock of the class described, a cylinder, a key plug rotatable in said cylinder, a lock actuator, key set tumblers movable in said key plug, spring means for pressing said tumblers toward a. predetermined position relatively to said key plug, said tumblers being movable by a key in opposition to said spring means, means for clutching said key plug to said lock actuator, surfaces on said tumblers for maintaining said means out of clutching position when said tumblers are pressed toward said predetermined position whereby said key plug rotates freely relatively to said lock actuator.

4. In a lock of the class described, a cylinder, a key plug rotatable in said cylinder, a lock actuator, key set tumblers movable in said key plug, means for clutching said key plug to said lock actuator, surfaces on said tumblers for maintaining said means out of clutching position, a detent portion on said means for locking said lock actuator to said cylinder when said means are held by said tumblers out of clutching position, said tumblers having gatings that when aligned allow movement of said means into said aligned gatings and into clutching position whereby to clutch 6, said key plug to said lock actuator while'releasin'g said lock actuator from said cylinder whereupon said key plug and lock actuator rotate together.

5. In a lock'ofthe class described, a cylinder, a key plug rotatable in said cylinder, a lock actuator, key set tumblers movable in said key plug, springs means for pressing said tumblers toward a predetermined position, said tumblers being movable by a key in opposition to said spring means, means for clutching said key plug to said lock actuator, surfaces on said tumblers for maintaining said means out of clutching position when said tumblers are pressed toward said predetermined position whereby said key plug rotates freely relatively to said lock actuator, a detent portion on said means for locking said lock actuator to said cylinder when said means are held by said tumblers out of clutching position, said tumblers having gatings that when :aligned by key operation allow movement of said means into said aligned gatings and into clutching position whereby to clutch said key plug to said lock actuator.

6. In a lock of the class described, a cylinder, a key plug rotatable in said cylinder, a lock actuator, key set tumblers movable in said key plug, means for clutching said key plug to said lock actuator, surfaces on said tumblers coincidental with the surface of the key plug for maintaining said means out of clutching position, said tumblers having gatings that when aligned allow movement of said clutching means inwardly of said key plug into said aligned gatings whereby to clutch said key plug to said lock actuator, the gatings of said tumblers being non-camming with relation to said means whereby said tumblers are locked against movement by said means when said means enter said gatings, and a camming ejector for engaging said clutching means to eject said means from said gatings, said ejector moving out of ejecting position when said tumblers are set by a key.

'7. In a lock of the class described, a cylinder, a key plug rotatable in said cylinder, a lock actuator, key set tumblers movable in said key plug, means for clutching said key plug to said lock actuator, surfaces on said tumblers for maintaining said means out of clutching position, said turnblers having gatings that when aligned allow movement of said means into said alignedgatings and into clutching position whereby to clutch said key plug to said lock actua-tor, the gatings of said tumblers being non-camming with relation to said means whereby said tumblers are locked against movement by said means when said means enter said gatings, and a camming ejector for engaging said clutching means to eject said means from said gatings.

8. In a lock of the class described, a cylinder, a key plug rotatable in said cylinder, a lock actuator, key set tumblers movable in said key plug, means for clutching said key plug to said lock actua-tor,` surfaces on said tumblers for maintaining said means out of clutchingY position, said tumblers having gatings that when aligned allow movement of said means into said aligned gatings and into clutching position to clutch said key plug to said lock actuator, the gatings of said tumblers being formed with outlining surfaces substantially radial and parallel to the surfaces of the means entering said gatings whereby to be in non-camming relation thereto so that said tumblers are locked by said means against movement upon entry of said means in said gatings, a spring pressed ejector mounted in said key plug, and means whereby said ejector when moved by akey 7 ejects said clutching means from said ga-tings, said ejector moving out of ejecting position'when the tumblers are set by the key.

9. In a lock of the class described, a cylinder, a sleeve rotatable in said cylinder, a key plug rotatable in said sleeve, key set tumblers mounted for movement in said key plug and having peripheral portions movable along the outer periphery of said key plug, said peripheral portions of said tumblers having gatings therein, a clutch member for clutching said key plug to said sleeve, the peripheral portions of said tumblers holding said clutch member out of clutching position until said gatings are aligned by key action whereupon the entry of said clutch member in said gatings and into clutching position clutches said key plug and sleeve for rotation together relatively to said cylinder.

10. In a lock of the class described, a cylinder, a sleeve rotatable in said cylinder, a key plug rotatable in said sleeve, key set tumblers mounted for movement in said key plug and having peripheral portions, said peripheral portions of said tumblers having gatings therein, a clutch member for clutching said key plug to said sleeve, the peripheral portions oi said tumblers holding said clutch member out of clutching position until said gatings are aligned by key action Whereupon the entry of said clutch member in said gatings and into clutching posiiton clutches said key plug and sleeve for rotation together relatively to said cylinder.

11. In a lock of the class described, a cylinder, a sleeve rotatable in said cylinder, a key plug rotatable in said sleeve, key set tumblers mounted for movement in said key plug and having peripheral portions, said peripheral portions of said tumblers having gatings therein, spring means for pressing said tumblers toward a predetermined position, said tumblers being movable by a key in opposition to said spring means, a clutch member for clutching said key plug to said sleeve, the peripheral portions of said'tumblers holding said clutch member out of clutching position when said. tumblers are pressed towards said predetermined position so that said key plug rotates freely relatively to said sleeve and cylinder, the alignment of said gatings by key action Veiiiecting the entry of said clutch member in said gatings and into clutching position to clutch said key plug and sleeve for rotation together relatively to said cylinder.

l2. In a. lock of the class described, a cylinder, a sleeve rotatable in said cylinder, a key plug rotatable in said sleeve, key set tumblers i mounted for movement in said key rplug and having peripheral portions, said peripheral portions of said tumblers having gatings therein, a clutch member for clutching said key plug to said sleeve, the peripheral portions of said tumblers holding said clutch member out of clutching position until said gatings are aligned by key action Whereupon the entry oi said clutch member in said gatings clutches said key plug and sleeve for rotation together relatively to said cylinder, and a detent portion on said clutch member for locking said sleeve to said cylinder when said clutch member is held by said tumblers out of clutching position.

13. In a lock of the class described, a cylinder, a sleeve rotatable in said cylinder, a key plug rotatable in said sleeve, key set tumblers mounted for movement in said key plug and having peripheral portions, said peripheral portions of said tumblers having gatings therein, spring i ill 8 means for pressing said tumblers ,toward a pre--v determined position, said tumblers being movable by a key in opposition to said spring means, a clutch member for clutching said key plug to said sleeve, the peripheral portions of said tumbers holding said clutch member out of clutching position when said tumblers are pressed towards said predetermined position so that said key plug rotates freely relatively to said sleeve n, and cylinder, the alignment oi said gatings by key action erecting the entry of said clutch member in said gatings and into clutching position to clutch said key plug and sleeve for rotation together relatively to said cylinder, and a detent portion on said clutch member for locking said sleeve to said cylinder when said clutch member is held by said tumblers out of clutching position.

14. In a lock or" the class described, a cylinder, a sleeve rotatable in said cylinder, a key plug rotatable in said sleeve, key set tumblers mounted for movement in said key plug and having peripheral portions movable along the outer periphery of key plug, said peripheral portions of said tumblers having gatings therein, a clutch member for clutching said key plug to said sleeve, the peripheral portions of said tumblers holding said clutch member out of clutching position until said gatings are aligned by key action Whereupon the entry of said clutch member in said gatings clutches said key plug and sleeve for rotation together relatively to said cylinder, the gatings oi said tumblers being non-camming with relation to said clutch member whereby said tumblers are locked against movement by said clutch member when said clutch member enters said gatings, and a camming ejector engaging said clutch member for ejecting said clutch mem-- ber from said gatings, said ejector moving out of ejecting position when the tumblers are set by a key.

15. In a lock of the class described, a cylinder, a sleeve rotatable in said cylinder, a key plug rotatable in said sleeve, key set tumblers mounted for movement in said key plug and having peripheral portions movable along the outer periphery of said key plug, said peripheral portions of said tumblers having gatings therein, a clutch member for clutching said key plug to said sleeve, the peripheral portions of said tumblers holding said clutch member out of clutching position until said gatinffs are aligned by key action whereupon the entry of said clutch member in said gatings clutches said key plug and sleeve for rotation together relatively to sai-d cylinder, the gatings of said tuinblers being noncamming with relation to said clutch member whereby said tumblers are locked against movement by said clutch member when said clutch member enters said gatings, and a camming ejector engaging clutch member for eiecting said clutch member from said gatings,

16. ln a lock of the class described, a cylinder, a sleeve rotatable in said cylinder, a key plug rotatable in said sleeve, key tumblers mounted for movement in said key plug and having peripheral portions, said peripheral portions of said tumblers having gatings therein, spring means for pressing said tumblers tov/'ard a predetermined position, said tumblers being movable by a key in opposition to said spring means, a clutch member for clutching said key plug to said sleeve, the peripheral portions oi said tumblers holding said clutch member out oi' clutching position when said tumblers are pressed towards said predetermined position so that said key plug rotates freely relatively to said sleeve, the alignment of said gatings by key action effecting the entry of said clutch member in said gatings to clutch said key plug and sleeve for rotation together relatively to said cylinder, the gatn ings of said tumblers being non-camming with relation to said clutch member whereby said tumblers are locked against movement by said clutch member when said clutch member enters said gatings, and a camming ejector engaging said clutch member for ejecting said clutch member from said gatings, said ejector moving out oi ejecting position when the tumblers are set by a key.

17. In a lock of the class described, a cylinder, a sleeve rotatable in said cylinder, a key plug rotatable in said sleeve, tumblers pivotally mounted in said key plug on an parallel to the axis of rotation of said key plug and having each a peripheral portion moving in substantial alignment with the outer periphery of said key plug, said peripheral portions of said tumblers having gatings formed therein, spring means pressing said tumblers toward a predetermined position, said tumblers being movable by a key against the pressure 0f said spring means to bring said gatings into alignment, a clutch bar mounted for movement relatively to said key plug, sleeve and cylinder, a spring pressing a part of said clutch bar toward said gatings and for entry into said gatings whereby to clutch said key plug to said sleeve when said gatings are aligned, said key plug being freely rotatable in said sleeve when said tumbler gatings are not aligned, said clutch bar then riding at least partially on the peripheral portions of said tumblers, and a detent portion on said clutch bar for locking said sleeve to said cylinder when said clutch bar is out of the tumbler gatings, the entry oi the clutch bar into the tumbler gatings releasing said sleeve for rotation with sai-d key plug relatively to said cylinder.

18. In a lock of the class described, a cylinder, a sleeve rotatable in said cylinder, a key plug rotatable in said sleeve, tumblers pivotally mounted in said key plug on an axis parallel to the axis of rotation of said key plug and having each a peripheral portion moving in substantial alignment with the outer periphery 0f said key plug, said peripheral portions of said tumblers having gatings formed therein, spring means pressing said tumblers toward a predetermined position, said tumblers being movable by a key against the pressure of said spring means to bring said gatings into alignment, a clutch bar mounted for movement relatively to said key plug, sleeve and cylinder, a spring pressing a part of said clutch bar toward said gatings and for entry into said gatings whereby to clutch said key plug to said sleeve when said gatings are aligned, said key plug being freely rotatable in said sleeve when said tumbler gatings are not aligned, said clutch bar then riding at least partially on the peripheral portions of said tumblers, a detent portion on said clutch bar locking said sleeve to said cylinder when said clutch bar is out of the tumbler gatings, the entry of the clutch bar into the tumbler gatings releasing said sleeve from said cylinder and for rotation with said key plug relatively to said cylinder, the gatings of said tumblers being formed with substantially radial outlining surfaces substantially parallel to the surfaces of the clutch bar entering said gatings whereby to be in non-camming relation thereto so that said tumblers are locked by said clutch bar against movement upon entry of said clutch bar in said gatings, a spring pressed ejector mounted in said key plug, and means whereby said ejector when moved by a key ejects said clutch bar from said gatings, said ejector moving out of ejecting positions when the tumblers are set by the key.

19. In a lock of the class described, a cylinder, a sleeve rotatable in said cylinder, a key plug rotatable in said sleeve, tumblers pivotally mounted in said key plug on an axis parallel to the axis of rotation of said key plug and having each a peripheral portion moving in substantial alignment with the outer periphery of said key plug, said peripheral portions of said tumblers having gatings formed therein, spring means pressing said tumblers toward a predetermined position, said tumblers being movable by a key against the pressure of said spring means to bring said gatings into alignment, a clutch bar mounted for movement relatively to said key plug, sleeve and cylinder, a spring pressing a part of said clutch bar toward said gatings and for entry into said gatings whereby to clutch said key plug to said sleeve when said gatings are aligned, said key plug being freely rotatable in said sleeve when said tumbler gatings are not aligned, said clutch bar then riding at least partially on the peripheral portions of said tumblers, a detent portion on said clutch bar locking said sleeve to said cylinder when said clutch bar is out of the tumbler gatings, the entry of the clutch bar into the tumbler gatings releasing said sleeve from said cylinder and for rotation with said key plug relatively to said cylinder, the gatings of said tumblers being non-camming with relation to said clutch bar whereby said tumblers are locked against movement by said clutch bar when said clutch bar enters said gatings, a camming ejector, and means whereby a key when moving relatively to said key plug ejects said clutch bar from said gatings, said ejector moving out of ejecting position when said tumblers are set by the key.

RICHARD I-I. DIESEL,

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